In a symbolic gesture aligned with Ibadan’s centuries-old royal tradition, palace drummers have relocated from the residence of the late Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, to the Bodija home of Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the Otun Olubadan and next in line to the throne.
The movement of the royal drummers is widely interpreted as a cultural acknowledgment of Ladoja’s impending ascension to the prestigious Olubadan stool. This ritual, steeped in custom, marks a transfer of allegiance and was similarly observed when Oba Lekan Balogun passed away. At that time, the drummers shifted their base from Alarere to Olakulehin’s Alalubosa residence, following the established chieftaincy hierarchy.
Oba Rashidi Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State, is now expected to be formally nominated by the Olubadan-in-Council, whose recommendation will be submitted to the Oyo State Government for approval and subsequent presentation of the staff of office.
Born on September 25, 1944, Ladoja served as governor from May 29, 2003, after winning the gubernatorial election under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). His personal residence, as customary, will serve as the palace once he assumes the role of Olubadan.
Ibadan’s unique succession system follows a strict rotation between two chieftaincy lines: the Otun and the Balogun. Ladoja, being from the Otun line, is next in the established order.
Notably, on August 12, 2024, the late Oba Olakulehin symbolically handed over the ceremonial beaded crown to Ladoja—a crown the former governor had once declined during the tenure of late Governor Abiola Ajimobi. This act has further solidified expectations of his emergence as the next Olubadan of Ibadanland.
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